STAMP: The Queen's Head, Arnold Machin & Stoke-on-Trent

An artist & community led celebration of Arnold Machin’s iconic ‘profile portrait’ of Queen Elizabeth II used on postage stamps since 1967 to the present day (last 55 years). One of the most recognisable designs of the 20th century, Machin’s classic ‘Queen’s Head’ image is believed to be the most reproduced work of art in history, with, to date, c.220 billion copies produced.

His ‘definitive stamp’ image will be recognised by, & familiar to, all. However, Arnold Machin’s Stoke-on-Trent roots & life long Staffordshire pottery connections will, sadly, not be known to that many local people or the wider general public. This project aims to change that by promoting community led research & exhibitions; & encouraging the creation of a new collection of ‘profile portraits’ produced by local people with support from local ceramic artists & creatives.

Programme activities include:

• Machin’s Stoke walk London Road, Stoke. 10:30am - 12noon Saturday 28th May. Click here for more details.

• #StampSlam party 6pm - 9pm Wednesday 1st June at Winkhill Mill, Swan Street, Stoke. Celebrate Machin’s iconic ‘Queen’s Head’ image by creating your own head & shoulders ‘profile portrait’ with encouragement & support from a team of local ceramic artists & creatives working in residence on the night. Drinks, nibbles & gentle music will help make this relaxed creative gathering the perfect ‘early doors’ start to your extended Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend: Click here & scroll down for more details.

• #ProfilePortrait (Winkhill Mill Exhibition) Viewed from Swan Street, Stoke. Open throughout June (from Thurs 9th - Thurs 30th June): 10am - 3pm every Thurs/Fri & 10am - 1pm every Sat.* Check out this eclectic exhibition of artist & community sourced head & shoulders portraits inspired by Machin’s iconic definitive ‘Queen Head’ stamp image. Click here & scroll down for more details *We will open the window display as much as possible at other times during the week & you can also get in touch & request a viewing which we will try to accommodate).

• #ProfilePortrait (Online Collection) Virtual showcase of community & crowd sourced head & shoulders portraits inspired by Machin’s iconic ‘Queen's Head’ stamp image. Send us your #SideSelfie or post your #ProfilePortrait (on Twitter). Click here to view this virtual showcase.

• Community Research A DIY exploration of Arnold Machin’s life via museum collections, archive material & creative conversations. His story will be shared via social media posts, podcasts & online resources. Connections include: The Postal Museum, Royal Mint Museum, V&A Wedgwood & Artists; Dan Thomson (Fight for Peace & It’s All About The Road) & Gillie Nicholls (Garmelow Manor, personal recollections).

• Pop up display celebrating Arnold Machin’s life & achievements. This simple display will accompany artist workshops & other activities.

• Artist-led have-a-go workshops (‘Profile Portrait’) Series of creative sessions with targeted at community groups & events led by local artists, ceramicists & creatives including: Phil Hardaker (ceramic artist), Gillie Nicholls (ceramic sculptor) & Cath Ralph (ceramic artist). *Details to be confirmed.

• Social media & online celebration Web based material celebrating Arnold Machin’s life & achievements, project resources & #ProfilePortrait Online Collection).

SUPPORTED BY Arts Council England, UK Community Foundations (Staffordshire Community Foundation).

This project is part of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee 2022 celebrations.